Thu Nov 07 06:45:35 UTC 2024: ## Rahul Gandhi Kicks Off Maharashtra Campaign With Caste Census Push
**Nagpur, Maharashtra:** Congress leader Rahul Gandhi kicked off his campaign for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections with a focus on the controversial issue of a caste census, asserting that the 50% reservation limit will be removed if the Congress comes to power.
Gandhi, who visited the historic Deekshabhoomi site in Nagpur, where Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism, addressed the “Samvidhan Samman Sammelan” (Respecting Constitution Meeting) organized by the OBC Youth Rights Forum.
He argued that a caste census is crucial for achieving justice and equality, highlighting the need to address the disparity faced by Dalits, OBCs, and Adivasis.
“Modiji says I am dividing the nation when I talk about caste census, but I am amplifying the voice of the deprived masses,” Gandhi stated. “A caste census can give justice to the 90% deprived population of India.”
He criticized the BJP and RSS for opposing the caste census, alleging that they favor concentrating wealth and power in the hands of the top 5% of the population. He questioned the financial resources of the RSS, suggesting that they receive funding from BJP-run governments and wealthy industrialists like Adani and Ambani.
In response, BJP leaders accused Gandhi of hypocrisy and opposing Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals. State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule alleged that “urban Naxals” were using the event to instigate unrest and criticized the closed-door nature of the gathering.
Gandhi’s emphasis on caste census and his criticism of the BJP’s policies are likely to be key talking points for the Congress in the upcoming elections. The party is hoping to capitalize on the growing demand for social justice and economic equality among marginalized communities.
First Piper 